Cheesy Back To School Casserole

As the back-to-school season approaches, families find themselves navigating a whirlwind of activities, from early morning wake-ups to after-school homework sessions. This busy time often leaves little room for elaborate meal prep, making it essential to have quick, nutritious meals at the ready. The Cheesy Back To School Casserole emerges as a perfect solution, combining comfort and convenience in a single, delectable dish. Not only does it provide the hearty satisfaction of cheesy goodness, but it also packs a nutritional punch, ensuring that your family is fueled for their busy days ahead.

Get ready for back-to-school season with this easy and comforting Cheesy Back To School Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines cooked pasta, savory ground meat, colorful vegetables, and a gooey cheese topping for a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. It's nutritious, filling, and can be customized to suit any dietary preference. Quick to prepare, it's the ideal solution to keep your family energized during hectic days. Enjoy this hearty dish that brings everyone together around the table!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work great)

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup sour cream

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion has softened.

Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, black beans, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, pepper, and vegetable or chicken broth to the meat mixture. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix in Pasta and Cheese: Gently fold the cooked pasta and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the meat mixture. Add sour cream and mix until fully combined.

Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve and Garnish: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr | 6-8 servings